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THE SONGS OF TAYCHOBERA 



OR 



ROMANCES OF THE FOUR LAKES 



'■7 7 



BY 



.^ 



Maj. CHAS. G. MAYERS 




DAVID ATWOOD 

PRINTER AND STEREOTYPER 

18S9 



x^1<= 



76 



Copyright, 1889, 

BY 

Maj. Chas. G. Mayers. 



Gen. Geo. P. Delaplaine: 

My Dear Friend — Is it too late in life to indulge in such 

frivolity as rhyming about our Lakes.? When I sent you 

Mendota I thought it an unfinished task, and old or young 

I have found great pleasure in still pursuing it. I now send 

it to you with its associates. I fear you will find them full 

of faults, but I am afraid that I could not improve them if I 

tried. I therefore offer them to you in token of our still 

continued friendship. 

Chas. G. Mayers. 
Madison^ Wis , Afril <?, i88g. 



t 



These poems are the offspring of many happy hours 
spent in communing with Nature upon and around the lakes 
whose faintly-whispered stories they endeavor to relate. If 
they are fancy-woven, the warp and woof were furnished by 
the same nature that painted the ever- varying pictures from 
which they take their hue. 

When the country embracing the four lakes and their 
connecting stream, the " Yahara," beautifully described by 
General S. Mills as being "strung like jewels on a cox-d of 
silver," was first settled by white men, the Indians gave as 
the definition of Taychobera, " The Country of the Four 
Lakes," but of late years when asked the meaning of the 
word, they reply, " Madison." 
The poems consist of 
I St. Kegonsa, 

The Fish Lake. 
2d. Wabesa, 

The Lake of the White Swan. 
3d. Monona, 

The Beautiful Lake. 
4th. Mendota, 

The Spirit Lake. 



KEGONSA. 






I'ER the white man knew the country, 
"^^^S E'er the hoof of horse or cattle 
Left in furrow or in woodland 

Track of plow or path of battle; 
E'er the axe of hardy woodman — 

Blow to blow in echoes calling — 
Through the forest arches rang the 

Death notes of a comrade falling; 
E'er the bee with honey laden 

Sang its sunny song of humming, 
Telling all who knew the music 

That another race was coming. 
First the Trapper, then the Squatter — 

Thus might run the brown bee's ditty 
Then the Woodsman, then the Farmer, 

Then the Mill, and then the City. 
For the warrior and the hunter, 

Painted as became his station. 
Fought and hunted, all life deeming 

That within his observation. 



8 KEGONSA. 



Knew naught of the world beyond him. 

From the Lakes unto the Ocean 
Spanned the limits of his legends; 

Knew not of the wild commotion, 
Of the ceaseless strife and struggle, 

'Mong the Marts, and Halls of Learning, 
Ever reaching onward, upward. 

Yesterday's achievements spurning. 

When the sad and dreary Winter 

Drove to covert every creature, 
And the cheerless snowy mantle 

Overspread the face of Nature ; 
All the venison was eaten. 

And the wild rice so diminished 
It could last but few days longer, 

And the corn was nearly finished; 
When the Hunter, starting hungry, 

Hungry still returned, and weary, 
Sad and weary, from the cheerless 

Hunt of woods and naked prairie; 
Pinched and famished were the women, 

And the children fever stricken. 
For the ruthless Winter vampire 

On their brows his doom had written. 



KEGONSA. 



Where the snows were light and fleeting, 

Where the game all winter tarried, 
Dwelt a powerful tribe of Red-men, 

Whose domain no stranger harried. 
For the fate of all who ventured — 

Youthful Brave or Warrior hoary — 
Was the same, not one returning 

To relate adventurous story. 
And the tribe, by hunger wasted. 

Though their chief was young, and stronger 
Far than any other warrior, 

And could fight the famine longer. 
Never turned their faces toward the 

" Land of Hunting," with intention 
To oppose so fierce a nation, 

That its name they shunned to mention! 
Machikawa was their chieftain, 

Young in summers, but in tracking 
Man or beast through tangled forest, 

In resource was never lacking. 
Read the bent twig as the written 

Lore is read by men of learning, 
Read it plainer, for his reading 

Never needed backward turning. 



10 KEGONSA. 



But the chief, though fierce as panther 

Or as wolf on quarry rushing! 
Could not fight the cold and hunger 

That his tribe was slowly crushing! 
Though he toiled and hunted for them, 

Long and hard, yet still returning 
Bafiled, or with game so little 

That his cheek was often burning 
With resentment at his fortune! 

On the earth his quarry throwing, 
Waited neither thanks nor question, 

Hungry to his wigwam going! 
In the tribe was Waba-Ogen, 

Or the White Rose of the Nation; 
She was beautiful as ever 

Lit the eye with admiration! 
She was beautiful as Summer! 

Lighter than the other daughters 
Of the tribe, and young and laughing 

As the bright and sparkling waters! 
And the young chief, Machikawa, 

Loved her fondly as e'er lover 
Worshiped maiden ; she had promised, 

When the dreary months were over, 



KEGONSA. II 



She would come into his wigwam, 
And the merry songs and dances 
Of their bridal should awaken 

Brows of woe to happy glances; 
But the sad and freezing Winter 

On her face had plainly written 
Want and Suffering; not submission 

To the sores by Winter bitten, 
While she hushed the wail of childhood, 
Cheered with hope her sex despairing, 
Tongue or eye addressing warriors. 

Ever prompted them to daring! 
Urged or challenged them to action. 
If one path was closed unto them. 
All the rest were broad and open. 

And the fearless might pursue them. 
Sad and dreary came the sunset; 

Sadly watched they his declining. 
At the absence of their chieftain 

Some were wondering, some repining". 
Well equipped, at early morning 

He had gone, by storm deterred not. 
But three Suns had followed westward, 
And his step or voice they heard not. 



12 KEGONSA. 



In the heart of Waba-Ogen 

Fears were crowding fast and faster 
Lest her lover, at her bidding, 

Had encountered dire disaster! 
With the first faint blush of day-break 

Went the " White Rose " to discover, 
And to rescue, if it might be, 

Or to die beside her lover! 
From the steep bluff's snowy summit, 

In the faint and misty distance 
She perceived a toiling figure. 

Sorely needing stout assistance; 
And her heart, by love instructed. 

Knew her noble chief returning, 
And the joy the knowledge gave her 

Set her blood with rapture burning. 
Flying back among the wigwams. 

Willing men she sent to meet him; 
Then she pondered, sorely puzzled. 

How with pride enough to greet him. 
Two deer and two wolves were trophies 

That his toilsome hunt rewarded. 
AU were eaten — quickly eaten. 

E'en the wolf-fiesh not discarded. 



KEGONSA. 13 



Waba-Ogen cooked the choicest 

Of the meat, and laid before him, 
Happy in a deed of service, 

Prompted by the love she bore him. 
In the hut of Waba-Ogen 

Sat the chief, and gravely listened 
To the words her tongue had spoken 

Or from out her eye that glistened. 
" Why, my chief, take only hunters 

Your adventurous perils sharing? 
They v^ill grow both faint and weary 

From their burdens homeward bearing. 
Lead the way with chosen hunters 

And the rest with us shall tarry 
As we follow in your pathway; 

Those who .can the sick will carry; 
Then at night, in sheltered valley, 

Clear the snow, and camp-fires burning, 
Shall from upward curling smoke wreathes 

Signal to your Braves returning. 
Pause not for a hard day's journey; 

Go where e'er the game shall lead us, 
Great or small, or choice or savage, 

Everything will help to feed us. 



14 KEGONSA. 



Be your hunt for Moons continued, 

We shall not be far behind 3^ou, 
And if you should halt with plenty, 

We shall very quickly find you. 
Go where snows are deeper, higher; 

Go where ice is thicker, colder; 
Go where Winter is a Warrior, 

Yielding unto warrior bolder ! " 
After drinking in the music 

Of her words, and gazing, musing, 
Flashed at first his eyes in answer, 

All her fire his soul infusing; 
Then a cloud of thought came over 

Machikawa's face, that wholly 
Changed his mien from light to shadow. 

And he answered, speaking slowly, 
" Shall your Chief, though most your lover, 

Bid his warriors turn their faces 
From the land their fathers' left them. 

And their old men's burial-places? 
Shall he leave the cherished wigwam. 

Where, when summer birds are flying. 
He his promised bride might welcome?" 

Waba-Ogen, quick replying: 



KEGONSA. 15 



" I will come into your wigwam, 

I will try to aid and cheer you, 
If with pride I can sustain you, 

I will be forever near you." 
At her feet, in rapture pouring 

Language born of love's emotion, 
As his guiding-star he hailed her! 

Worthy all the tribe's devotion! 
" But of you I am unworthy 

Till I do the work assigned me; 
Till I find the better country 

I must leave my love behind me. 
Foremost of my band of hunters 

Be my place, and you, remaining 
With the tribe, by noble courage. 

Every fainting heart sustaining." 
In the council sat the Warriors 

And the Hunters of the Nation, 
Passed the pipe in silence, waiting 

Machikawa's explanation. 
Rising 'mid the mute assemblage, 

He the maiden's words repeated, 
Adding to them his approval 

Of the project, then was seated. 



l6 KEGONSA. 



First the old and then the younger 

Briefly signified approval. 
So few murmurs, Machikawa 

Named the morrow for removal; 
Chose his hunters for the vanguard; 

Named the chiefs of each division; 
For the bearing of the aged 

And the sick then made provision. 
Oh, the days of weary marching! 

Oh, the nights of cold and hunger! 
When it seemed as if the journey 

Could not be continued longer! 
Still, each day, some toiling hunter 

Found the people, always bearing 
Food, and telling wondrous stories 

Of their leader's skill and daring. 
After two moons Machikawa 

And his Hunters had, by driving 
Game into the valleys, gathered 

Food to wait the tribe's arriving; 
But the land for future living. 

Where henceforth, his people dwelling. 
Might in winter find abundance 

For the pangs of hunger quelling; 



KEGONSA. 17 



Such a country yet he found not, 

So, his force of Braves dividing, 
Some he left the game in charge of, 

Some returned the tribe for guiding; 
Taking but three trusted comrades, 

Further still the snows exploring. 
Forth he started, every danger, 

Every thought of fear ignoring ! 
After seven Suns had glinted 

Back the rays of setting glory, 
All were on the snow reclining 

List'ning to a hunter's story, 
And the grateful rest was welcome, 

Hard-fought day their vigor crippling. 
List ! a Warrior interrupted ! 

From a spring the water rippling! 
Soon they found the sparkling water, 

From its earthy prison gushing! 
Scarce a dancing sunbeam kissing, 

E're beneath the snow-crust rushing! 
Spread before them was a glistening 

Plane of purest, dazzling whiteness; 
Not a shrub or tree threw shadow 

On the Lake's unclouded brightness. 



1 8 KEGONSA. 



First the snowy shroud removing, 

Then the stone-axe nimbly swinging, 
Burst the water's icy fetters, 

Which from out the deep came springing, 
And the torch-light, penetrating 

Where the ice mask had been broken, 
Lured the fish, as if for learning 

What the brightness might betoken; 
Then the Indians, with their flint spears, 

And their tackle, caught such numbers 
That their shouts of final triumph. 

Echoing, 'woke the forest slumbers! 
Near the spring they made a wigwam. 

Then, on well-baked fish they feasted 
To repletion, thinking, each one, 

Sweeter food had never tasted! 
In the morning, Machikawa, 

Glancing 'round in admiration, 
Said to Spring, and Lake, and Forest, 

Here henceforth shall dwell a«Nation! 
Here shall end our weary journey, 

Waba-Ogen, I have found it! 
Found the place where hunger is not! 

And my tribe shall rest around it. 



KEGONSA. 19 



When the winter snows are deepest, 

And the forest game shall fail us, 
This good Lake will still befriend us. 

Hunger's pangs shall ne'er assail us. 
By the spring of living waters 

Set they boughs bent to the center. 
Bound them well to form the wigwam 

Which the White Rose soon should enter. 
Then upon their trail returning. 

With a load of fish they started; 
Light of heart and strong of purpose ; 

But their Chief was lightest hearted! 
For the task by her suggested, 

And by him pursued undaunted, 
Was accomplished; here his people 

Would not be by famine haunted. 
Toil a pleasure seemed unto them. 

Day by day the task diminished, 
'Till at length, the smoke ascending. 

Told their journey nearly finished: 
Sunk in slumber, were the people. 

When the Chief and Warriors found them; 
But their shouts of welcome, quickly 

Woke to life the woods around them! 



20 KEGONSA. 



When he told them of the country 

And the Lake, the great fish-giver, 
Hopeful words and cheerful greetings 

Spoke of dangers gone forever. 
On the morn, their march resuming, 

Every face was smiling brighter, 
Every step was more elastic, 

Every burden borne was lighter. 
Aided by their stoutest Warriors, 

And their Chief, of all the strongest. 
Each day's journey seemed the shortest. 

Though it might have been the longest, 
Till at length, with shouts of pleasure. 

Lake, and Spring, and Woods, they greeted, 
And at night the camp-fire glowed on 

Waba-Ogen's lodge completed. 
Though the tribe w^ere proud and happy, 

Yet they were not quite contented 
Till the union of their chieftain 

And the White Rose was cemented. 
When the sun shone on the lovely 

Bride, as if in warm caressing, 
Machikav/a proudly claimed her 

As of all, his richest blessing. 



KEGONSA. 21 



All the day was bright and happy, 

Each, with gratitude o'erflowing, 
Gave some token, did some service, 

Both their pride and pleasure showing. 
Machikawa and his " White Rose " 

Grew the theme of many a story, 
In his valor, and her beauty. 

All the tribe were wont to glory. 
Strong the people grew, and stronger, 

Prosperous, and close cemented. 
By the ties of common country. 

Where no discords were fermented; 
And the Lake, in bounteous measure, 

Gave unto these favored ones a 
Feast of fish, whenever sought for, 

And they called the Lake, Kegonsa! 



WABESA. 



^^^N the shore, where the ripples and pebbles at plaj, 
M^^ Sang a lay of the lake to an evening in May, 
I'^w While out on the water, the ripples, for sport, 
As they danced along shoreward, helped to distort 
The fair mirrored picture the woods tried to throw 
Frorn their towering heights on the waters below. 
The landscape was lovely as ever the sun, 
In the splendor of evening, threw glorj'^ upon ; 
For the queen of the spring had ascended her throne, 
And winter on ice-feathered pinions had flown, 
And forest and meadow to hail their new queen 
Gaily had donned her bright vesture of green. 
Every tree wore the richest verdure of spring 
When their leaves are the brightest, the glad offering 
Of nature released from the death of the mask 
Of winter, and life in the sun-shine may bask. 

On the carpet of grass, a few rods from the strand, 
Where the prospects of water and forest were grand, 
Where the trees, though they screened from the sun's 

hottest rays. 
Were open, and gave the blue sky to the gaze. 



24 WABESA. 



'Mong the tints of the woods, conspicuously white, 

The tents of the hunters attracted the sight, f 

Obtrusive, yet nestUng, as willing to hide 

Their winter-white walls on the green hill-side; 

Whilst scattered in every accessible place 

Were the arms and the spoils of the hunt and the chase. 

The curtains of eve' were drawn over the sun ; 

The hunters had washed, and their day's work was done ; 

The fatigue of their sport made all ready to rest, 

And camp-stools and chairs were brought into request; 

They talked of successes, made light of their woes, 

'Round the fire, whence the smoke-column gracefully rose. 

They had waited e'er eating their evening meal 

The return of a comrade ,whose ardor and zeal 

In the sport he had followed still kept him away 

W'hen the rest had returned quite tired of the day; 

But waiting is tedious when nostrils inhale 

The smell of roast duck, and parti-idge and quail ; 

And one who could bear it no longer thus spoke 

To his comrades the sportsmen: "This is no joke ; 

I propose that w^e eat; and I'll bet ten to one 

We shall see Jim loom up, e'er we've fairly begun." 

But the platters were emptied, the coffee-cups drained, 
And the long looked for hunter still absent remained ; 
While surmises and guesses of what could have chanced 
Their late tarrying comrade by all were advanced. 
Conjecture seemed lost for some new form to take, 
When a flash and report far away on the lake 



WABESA. 25 



Told them all without word, that their comrade was still 
Attracted bj something his game-bag to fill. 
Speculation on what could have tempted their friend 
To linger so long was brought sharp to an end. 
Their thoughts from the absent were turned in surprise 
To an unlooked for guest who attracted all eyes. 

From the gloom of the woods like a king of the night, 

An Indian emerged, and advanced to the light 

Of their fire, and with gesture of one nobly bred, 

Saluted the circle; then raising his head, 

"May hunter intrude upon hunters to-night?" 

" You do not intrude ; as a guest you've a right 

To such as our camp can afford; take a seat, 

And we'll see about getting you something to eat; 

For your language proclaims that you've lived for awhile 

Where blanket and moccasin were not the style." 

" Oh, yes, I have passed through your schools," he replied, 

" With scholars and doctors for honors have vied ; 

But my scholarly fame to the whirlwinds has flown, 

And over iny shoulders the blanket I've thrown." 

Quoth the hunter, " Who cares where your parchments have 

gone, 
We greet you as nature's free, unfettered son. 
We have all eaten supper but one, who for sport 
Appears to have found the daylight too short; 
This moment the flash and report of his gun 
Came from far on the lake; he must be for fun 
Shooting the stars or the mist, one would think, 
For out on the waters it looks black as ink." 



26 WABESA. 



" I will wait till he comes," said the chief, "if you please, 
Or light him a signal on shore, for the trees 
Throw a shadow so dense, so heavy, and black. 
As well may bewilder him when he comes back." 
Taking brand from the camp-fire, the signal soon burned, 
Then quietly back to his seat he returned. 

"You had better sit up and eat something," said one, 

*' For Jim is bewitched by some scent he is on; 

He may not return for an hour or more." 

" His canoe," said the chief, " has just grated the shore." 

All sprang to their feet, glad to welcome their friend. 

And glad their suspense, too, had come to an end. 

Disappointed and weary, the new comer stood 

Looking into the fire, in a deep, sullen mood; 

He acknowledged their guest without speaking a word, 

And he answered no questions; as if he'd not heard 

The scores of inquiries that tongue after tongue 

In his unheeding ear all the changes had rung. 

" Give me something to eat first, for boys, I'll be shot 

If such cursed bad luck ever fell to my lot; 

I'm as tired as a dog that has hunted all day. 

And until I have fed, not a word will I say ! " 

"Well, fall to and eat; eat your fill; we can wait; 

And you too, friend, eat with him, dispatch plate for plate! 

Supper was at length over, cigars passed around, 
And his pipe of the red stone the Indian had found; 
All smoked on in silence, until Jim broke the spell, 
And in slow, thoughtful words 'gan his story to tell. 



WABESA. 27 



" Boys, I never before, since first I drew sight 

On a bird, have been fooled as I have been to-night! 

About sun-down, I was in the river, you know, 

Mid-way in the wide-spread, or a little below ; 

I was pulling for camp with a hearty good will ; 

So hungry I scarce could my stomach keep still, 

When a sound, half a song, half a sigli, made me scan 

All about me more closely, and there sat a swan ! 

A lovely white swan, and most temptingly near, 

Undisturbed by my presence, unconscious of fear. 

My gun was in range e'er my oar-blades could sink. 

And I gave her both barrels before I could think! 

She ruffled her plumes, stretched her neck, turned around, 

And was gone e'er the echoes in distance were drowned. 

The thought that with both of the barrels I'd missed 

Was absurd, and no effort I made to resist 

The temptation to turn from my course, 'round to where 

I had shot, in search for a few feathers there. 

But no, I looked everywhere 'round, there were none! 

And I turned to come home : there again was the swan ! 

I have followed that swan down and up the whole stream. 

All over the lake, too, the vision I've seen. 

Whenever I turned in despair from a spot 

She would show herself temptingly near for a shot; 

Just now, on the dark lake, about a mile west, 

I gave her my last charge, but it, like the rest. 

Was wasted, she shook the shot from her like rain. 

With a flutter more telling of pleasure than pain. 

Then I pulled with a will to get out of her sight, 

But she followed me on, till at last, by the light 



28 WABESA. 



Of the fire you so kindly had lit, I could see 

Her graceful white neck, as if bowing to me. 

Even now, if you'll come to the shore, I dare bet 

You a hundred, you'll see the swan floating there yet." 

"'Twouldbe useless," the Indian exclaimed, " for this swan 

Is the swan of the lake! and 'tis said that the one 

To whom she %n spring-time the first shall appear 

^lay count on a happy and prosperous year." 

" Well," said Jim, " I have seen her, and now that I've made 

Her acquaintance, I'd gladly know more of the shade." 

" Come, an Indian legend," they called with delight, 

"Friend, we beg of you, tell us the story to-night! " 

His assent to their wish, with a bend of the head, 

He gracefully gave, and then straightway was led 

To a tent where the light of the lanterns shone clear 

On the circle of hunters assembled to hear. 

The Indian commenced : " The tradition I give, 

I give in the hope that it longer may live 

Than my tribe, which is passing away from the land 

Where my fathers were chiefs," with a wave of his hand, 

" The legend was told, and its origin takes, 

From the first pale-face known in the land of the lakes ! " 

Then his eye, as if backward, a lurid gleam cast, 

And thus he related a strain of the past : 



WABESA. 29 



ON THE WAR-PATH. 

When Nibwaka and the remnant 

Of his Braves were met returning 
To their village, anxious faces 

Seemed to dread their story learning; 
For their war-path had been stormy, 

And for every scalp they carried, 
As the_ trophy of a victor, 

They had left a brave unburied ! 
Still Nibwaka and his stubborn. 

War-worn band, had held together, 
Fighting like death-threatened sea-men, 

Fight the most tempestuous weather! 
Patakawa, and a band of 

Guards, were left in charge of plunder 
And of captives, ta'en by Matchi, 

On a raid, exciting wonder 
For its dash, and for its boldness, 

Making captives, leaving gory 
Victims, where was thought no danger 

Of the red-man's ruthless foray. 



30 WABESA. 

But the weak and weary captives, 

Faint of heart, and some death-stricken, 
Checked their homeward march, and nothing 

Could their fainting footsteps quicken. 
So their chief, relentless Matctii, 

Took — no danger apprehending — 
Nearly all his force, with eager 

Footsteps, towards their village wending. 

'Mong the captives was a maid of 

Wond'rous beauty, finely moulded; 
Such a one as in the arms of 

Careful love should e'er be folded! 
Torn from home, and friends, and kindred. 

Hopeless now; of life despairing; 
Fearing bitterer death than dying. 

To her death her captors daring! 
And her taunts of Patakawa, — 

Eyes and gestures so assorted. 
Though he knew not what her words were, — 

Almost won the death she courted: 
When, from forth the forest arches. 

Like an opening pack of harriers, 
With their war-whoop for a signal. 

Sprang Nibwaka and his warriors! 



WABESA. 31 

Very small resistance met they, 

And the fight was quickly over, 
Those who fell not at the onset 

Plunged into the forest's cover; 
Patakawa, when he heard the 

Whoop, was startled! fingers playing 
With his knife; for he was brooding 

On the scornful maiden slaying; 
But the young brave Wawinaki, 

From the ambush, where he waited 
For the signal for the onset. 

Saw them ; and to rescue fated. 
Drew to head his truest arrow; 

And, with yet the war-cry ringing. 
Buried it in Patakawa, 

To the dust the savage bringing! 
Then, aloud he called, " Wabegon,^ 

Hither come to me for shelter, 
I will save you, I will guard you, 

Leave him in his blood to welter." 
Answering but his tone and gesture, 

Straight she ran to him, and thrusting 
Forth her hands, as for protection. 

All her mien betokened trusting; 

* A flower. 



32 WABESA. 

Eagerly he ran to meet her, 
Then in safety, bade her tarry, 

While he hurried for the scalp-lock 
It would be his pride to carry! 

Why should one so lately dreading 

Indian capture, Indian dealing. 
From an Indian, to an Indian, 

Fly with such a change of feeling? 
Only this, the soul has language. 

Language other than the spoken; 
Soul with soul can hold communion. 

Though the silence is unbroken! 

But Nibwaka knew that surely 

Those who had escaped his onset 
Would the tidings bear to Matchi 

Ere they saw another sunset. 
So he laid his plans for marching 

Quickly, on his path retreating. 
Taking counsel with his warriors 

Every accident for meeting. 
Wawinaki brought a pony. 

And by sign, and gesture bidden. 
By the maiden, found the saddle 

Which ere capture she had ridden. 



WABESA. 

This, the compact was between them, 
Though no word was comprehended. 

His, a love to adoration! 
Hers, that she had been defended. 

When the runners told to Matchi 

All the tale of his disaster 
He became possessed with fury 

That he could not, would not, master; 
Struck to earth the hapless runner 

Who the tidings first imparted, 
Swore the boom of flying night-hawk 

Had dismayed the chicken-hearted! 
Called him liar! called him coward! 

Thus for fleeing; swore another's 
Tongue had spoken for a warrior, 

Thus to slander all his brothers! 
But the tidings soon by others 

Fully were corroborated; 
Matchi then, with dark e^^e blazing, 

And with fury unabated, 
Turned, and with the yell of demon, 

Sent his startling war-cr}^ ringing! 
From the oldest to the youngest 

Warrior, brave, and hunter bringing. 
3 



33 



34 



WABESA. 



Brief harangue he poured upon them, 

Fierce and harsh, unlike a human's; 
Bidding all, in arms and war-paint. 

Straight to answer to his summons ! 
Then the race began in earnest, 

Fast pursuing, fast retreating, 
But Nibwaka, spoil incumbered. 

Thought but of his foe defeating; 
Planned to meet him at advantage, 

Speed and power to match with cunning, 
Kept his braves in cheerful temper, 

Talked of fighting more than running! 

On an evening, as ascending 

To a high and strong position, 
They received to added vigil 

Prompt and startling admonition! 
As Nibwaka gazed in silence 

On the ruddy sun-set's glowing, 
Wawinaki stood before him. 

Silently a scalp-lock showing! 
Flashed Nibwaka's eye like meteor, 

As he viewed the bleeding token! 
Grasped at once the whole position, 

Though no word had yet been spoken; 



WABESA. 35 

Quick the thoughtful, silent chieftain 

Grew the very soul of action, 
And the prompt response of warriors 

Won his smiles of satisfaction; 
Scanned the strength of his position, 

Words of cheer to each imparted, 
Every chance of vantage guarded, 

Then to meet the foe he started^ 
Matchi's chase had been conducted 

In such wild and hurried fashion. 
Told his wTath, his mind had clouded. 

Leaving him the slave of passion; 
When he found his foremost warrior 

Arrow^ pierced, and scalpless, lying. 
Nothing could restrain his fury 

From at once the onset trying; 
Rang his war-whoop through the arches 

Of the forest — evening tinted — 
Sprang his warriors to the combat, — 

From their blades the purple glinted — 
Up the hill as they came rushing. 

Sure the fight would soon be over, 
Such a shower of arrows greet them, 

Those unstricken sprung to coven 



o 



6 WABESA. 

But the cover does not save them, 

For the ground was well selected, 
And each lurking Indian shows a 

Spot by those above detected ; 
Thus, the reckless charge of Matchi, 

So disastrously ending, 
Taught him caution, all the iron 

Of his temper harshly bending! 
But the foes were now together, 

One attacking, one defending, 
Giving to the fight, the features 

Of a conflict never ending! 
Many times the force of Matchi 

Dashed upon the foes they hated; 
Every time, by skill and cunning. 

Had their elTorts been frustrated! 

Nibwaka, having gained possession 

Of a natural fort, concluded 
He w^ould turn the tide of action 

'Gainst the foe he had eluded ! 
Left his young Braves in position, 

Strength'ning each of nature's barriers, 
While upon the flanks of Matchi 

Lurked he with his older Warriors. 



WABESA. 37 

Matchi, never fearing danger 

From an enemy behind him, 
Left a trail so broad and open 

That a boy at night might find him. 
When he reached the rugged fastness 

His advance was sternly greeted 
With a welcome prompt, and fatal 

As to foe is seldom meted. 
But they rallied from the startling 

Shock that checked their onward rushing, 
And with yet determined courage 

For the summit kept on pushing! 
When Nibwaka and his comrades, 

Falling on their rear with fury, 
Sent a shower of flying weapons, ■ 

That on fatal missions hurry ! 
Matchi, as the tide of battle 

Turned, to meet it bravely hurried, 
In mid course, a whirling hatchet, 

Fairly in his brain was buried! 
When the followers of Matchi 

Saw their chief fall, arms extended, 
Every hope of conquest vanished. 

That one blow the conflict ended! 



^8 WABESA. 

Then Nibwaka and his band of 

War scarred heroes, slowly wandered 

Towards the peaceful, smiling country 
That the lovely lake meandered. 

Wawinaki and Wabegon? 

For the name that he had given 
Was adopted by the Indians; 

From a fragile flower deriven. 
All throughout the w- eary journey, 

Every stroke, his arm had warded; 
Both from friend and foe obtrusive 

She had carefully been guarded I 
Every other one avoiding, 

Fearing; to him ever clinging 
Day by day, 'mid blood and havoc. 

And the -war-cry ever ringing. 
Though heroic fire, love prompted. 

In his soul was noblv burninj^. 
Toward the spot by her made sacred. 

Watchful eye was ever turning! 
When the din of conflict slumbered. 

Tomahawk and knife were resting. 
When they paused, their strength to gather. 

For the struggle newly testing, 



WABESA. 39 

Then he came, by love instructed, 

And, in mien of supplication. 
Smoothed the roughness of her pathway, 

Winning smile of approbation; 
Thus they journeyed, he adoring, 

She, for safety, to him clinging, 
While the thoughts of home, and kindred, 

From her soul were ever winging; 
Till, where silvery rippling waters 

Kiss the flower-bespangled verdure, 
And while laughing at, reflecting 

All the beauties of their girdure. 
They encampted by fair Wabesa, 

And the peaceful hunt renewing, 
Strove to heal the wounds, that lately 

Wrought so nearly their undoing. 

Wawinaki and Wabegon 

Slowly grew to conversation. 
Word by word was comprehended 

With a quick appreciation. 
Yet the lovely flower, Wabegon, 

To their foreign soil transplanted. 
Drooped and pined, from ever thinking 

Of the scenes by memory haunted! 



40 WABESA. 

When the dangers hourly threatened, 

When the air was rife with danger, 
She had little chance for thinking 

Of the time when she, a stranger, 
Should be forced to live repining! 

With herself alone communing; 
Every memory and emotion 

To the loved and lost attuning! 
Wawinaki watched her drooping, 

Saw her trembling; heard her sighing; 
And a dread his soul came over 

Lest Wabegon should be dying! 
And by love alone incited. 

Knowing not the gulf dividing. 
Offered heart, and arm, and wigwam; 

Tremblingly his fate abiding. 
Then, she fell to blindly weeping; 

To his nobleness appealing; 
Told the cause of her repining. 

Of the anguish she was feeling! 
Told him that, as grateful sister. 

She his kindness e'er would cherish; 
But e'er she would share his wigwam. 

By her own knife she would perish! 



WABESA. 41 



When Nibwaka heard the answer 

To the chief the Flower had given, 
All restraint, and all forbearance, 

From his scornful heart was driven; 
" Take her then by force," he answered, 

"Why such coward hesitating? 
She might well be proud and happy, 

With so brave a chieftain mating." 
"Never!" answered Wawinaki, 

" I can love her, I can lose her, 
But while I can drive an arrow 

No one living shall abuse her." 
Scornfully then laughed Nibwaka, 

" We will see," and forward springing 
Toward a hillock, near the water. 

Where the Flower was sadly singing, 
Singing sadly to the w^ater; 

For the shades of evening, sinking 
Into darkness, of the lost ones. 

Set the maiden sadly thinking! 
E'er the chieftain reached the maiden. 

Stood the young man interposing! 
Though unarmed, yet lithe and active. 

Quickly with Nibwaka closing! 



42 WABESA. 



" Wabegon ! " cried Wawinaki, 

" Fly for life across the water! 
Fly Wabegon by the birch-bark ! 

He will kill the pale-face daughter ! " 
And Wabegon turned, and saw them 

Fiercely wrestling, catching, tripping; 
Seized the paddle, pushed the boat off, 

Into it then lightly skipping. 
Plied the paddle, with the strength that 

Danger gives w^here strength is wanting; 
Far into the lake she paddled. 

Then she paused, exhausted, panting! 
Hanging from Nibwaka's girdle 

Was his war-club, strong, but pliant, 
When he saw that Wawinaki 

Stood before him so defiant, 
Wisdom yielded sway to passion, 

And his w^ar-club madty swinging. 
Killed the unarmed Wawinaki; 

Then, the weapon from him flinging. 
In another birch-bark leaping, 

Plied the paddle swiftly, deeply, 
Hoping to make double slaughter 

Of the pair, and thus completely 



WABESA. 43 



Banish from his sight the beauty 

That he now sincerely hated 
As the cause of doing murder 

He could ne'er have contemplated. 
While they paddled from the western 

Sky, up leapt a cloud of sable ! 
With a wind, by which deep rooted 

Forest trees were proved unstable. 
Lashed the lake to boiling billows! 

Drove the spray in crystal showers! 
Tore the air with shrieks, like voices, 

At whose 'best the stoutest cowers! 
Out into the foaming caldron 

Both the boats were swiftly driven, 
Where it seemed that superhuman 

Strength unto the maid was given; 
For her boat, like dancing feather, 

Ever on the crest was carried. 
Every threat'ning billow passed her, 

As by skillful fencer parried; 
But Nibwaka vainly struggled 

To regain the shore, where, lying 
As he left him, was his victim. 

Potently for vengance crying! 



44 WABESA. 



In the dark gulf of the waters 

He was swallowed by the frowning 

Waves that chased each other madly, 
E'en his cry of anguish drowning. 

When the moon rose, and the tempest 

Had subsided, quick as risen, 
And the powers of havoc had been 

Once again returned to prison. 
Then the Indians on the water 

Searched in everything that floated 
For the love of Wawinaki, 

For the maid on which he doted. 
Out upon the lake there seemed to 

Flutter garments, purer, whiter. 
Than the pure rays of the moon-light. 

Pure as they, but clearer, brighter! 
And as all eyes watched the fluttering 

Garments, they could see the maiden 
Standing lightly, forming picture 

Of a shallop, fairy laden. 
Strained then willing hands at paddles, 

Eagerly, to catch the glancing 
Beauty of the fairy figure, 

Lightly as a feather dancing! 



WABESA. 



45 



But in vain they strained their paddles, 

For the fairy form, retreating, 
Into mid-lake led the Indians, 

Then, as if the rescue greeting, 
Gracefully a welcome waved them ; 

On they came, each paddle straining, 
But with awe they pause and wonder; 

For all that was now remaining 
Of the vision of the maiden, 

And the robe of fleecy lightness, 
Was a swan, at leisure floating, 

Spreading wings of purest whiteness. 
And for long at close of even' 

Could the Indians see the vision 
Of the maiden, but on nearing 

It, as if in pure derision. 
Was but found a swan, disporting 

On the waters, free as ever. 
Oft' its snow white wings extending, 

But the Flower returned never! 



MONONA. 



JiHEARD ye e'er the Indian legend 
?^^*.i| Of the younfif Brave, Anonawa? 
Sometimes called Ussowan (Arrow), 

And at others Machekawa."^ 
He who left the Four Lake garden, 

Left it in its beauty peerless ; 
Only hunter's weapons taking, 

But at heart of danger fearless. 
He had hunted to the Eastward, 

Where the dense woods live in gloaming; 
There he met an Indian stranger, 

Far from tribe and nation roaming. 
One who in the heat of passion 

His opponent dead had smitten; 
And the blood-avenging spirit 

'Gainst his life the doom had written. 

*Strong. 



48 MONONA. 



So he fled from home and people; 

Life alone but thought of saving; 
Safe from that unsparing vengeance, 

Every other peril braving. 
Mute the meeting of these Indians; 

Each one knew the other stranger 
To his tongue and to his people; 

Yet they neither thought of danger. 
For the eye of both looked kindly, 

Fearlessly, though full of question; 
Each as asking of the other 

Which should make a first suggestion. 
Anonawa made advances 

By an open hand extending, 
And the stranger sprang to answer, 

From his eye the welcome sending. 
Hunting many days together, 

Faith and friendship yet grew stronger; 
As the}^ learned a common language 

Interchange of thought grew longer. 
Till at length the Indian stranger 

Told his friend of the disaster 
That had made him flee from vengeance, 

Following ever fast and faster. 



MONONA. 49 



Told him of the wondrous prairies 

Stretching far as eye could measure; 
Told him of the mighty mountains 

And their yellow golden treasure. 
" Thou shouldst see the ' Prairie Lily,' 

Lovelier than the fairest flower 
That doth deck the earth in summer; 

Richer than the sunset hour. 
Could'st thou win the bright Monona, 

Make her meet thy glance with pleasure, 
Thou might'st then return in triumph 

With thy bride a warrior's treasure ! " 

Anonawa left his wigwam ; 

Traversed forests, swam the rivers; 
E'en the " Father of the Waters," 

Rushing sea, the land that severs. 
Many, many moons he traveled. 

Nothing fearing, naught to grieve him ; 
Ever hoping, only anxious 

That his hopes might not deceive him. 
He had left the woods behind him; 

And the prairie undulating 
Greeted him like swelling ocean, 

All his being dominating. 



50 MONONA. 

But at length 'neath spreading branches 

Of the willows near a river 
From the mid-day sun he sheltered, 

Thinking on the future ever. 
When there burst upon his vision 

Maiden beautiful as Heaven; 
To his gaze enraptured, seeming 

Goddess unto Indian given. 
And he murmured, almost fearing 

He might put to flight the vision, 
" Surely thou must be Monona! " 

Anxiously, but with decision. 
Then his captive ear drank music 

Such as ne'er had silence broken, 
When she said, "I am Monona; 

Who art thou my name hast spoken?" 
Then he told her of his journey; 

Told her he had come to hover 
Near the lodges of her people; 

Told her he had come to love her. 
Told her of the four-lake garden, 

Of the lakes in beauty glassing 
Summer skies, or Hke clear mirrors — 

Tints of fleecy cloudlets passing. 



MONONA. 51 



Urged that towards the glorious sun-rise, 

She with him would backward travel, 
Promising the forest mazes 

Of her path he would unravel. 
Long she listened, reading clearly 

In his eye a depth of feeling, 
True and tender for her welfare. 

Love, unknown before, revealing. 
Then she answered Anonawa: 

" Thou so many suns hast striven, 
That Monona of the prairie 

To thy wigwam should be given, 
I will go with thee, young Hunter, 

Leave rny people, all behind me ; 
When the West is red at sunset. 

For the path thou'lt ready find me. 
I will bring our fleetest horses. 

Lest e'er we have crossed the prairie 
They o'ertake us; then thy scalp-lock 

Some Ute chief would proudly carry." 

Anonawa with Monona 

By his side, like spirit creatures, 
Pressed their horses all the night long, 

Racing with the flashing meteors. 



52 MONONA. 



In the morning, 'neath the shelter 

Thick that fringed the water-courses, 
Rest they sought, rest and refreshment, 

For themselves and for their horses. 
As the young man gazed in rapture, 

Breathing words by love suggested. 
Pensively Monona listened, 

Long" his strain was unmolested. 
Thus she answered, "Anonawa! 

I have seen thee in my dreaming, 
Seen thee scan the broad lake's surface 

When the morning sun was beaming. 
Seen thee standing on the headland, 

Life and joy in every feature. 
While the fanciful lake mirror, 

Giant-like enlarged thy stature. 
Seen thee watch until the monarch 

Of the clouds came slowly sailing. 
Then thine arrow sped like lightning, 

Guided by an eye unquailing. 
Struck to death the noble eagle. 

From his sailing downward swooping, 
Plunging in the clear lake's bosom, 

Wings outspread but talons drooping." 



MONONA. 53 



Thus responded Anonawa: 

" Thank the Love that led me to thee, 
And awoke within my bosom 

Longing to behold and woo thee. 
We will marry, not as Indians, 

But as the white father teaches, — 
He w^ho jom*neyed from the sun-rise, 

And about the white Christ preaches." 

On a gentle Sabbath morning. 

When the sun in beauty smiling 
Kissed the lake — the lovely wonder. 

Every glance to her beguiling, 
In the water stood Monona, 

By her side, the pale-face father; 
He had promised to baptize her 

And her brave young chief together. 
And he asked the Indian maiden, 

As she stood — by far surpassing 
Every beauteous thing in nature 

That the crystal lake was glassing, 
This he asked her: "When I sprinkle 

Water on thy head and bless thee, 
By what name as new-born daughter 

Of our faith, shall I address thee ? " 



54" MONONA. 



And the lovely maiden answered: 

" Father I will bear alone a 
Name by which my mother called me ; 

I will always be Monona. 
But if names must needs be mingled, 

Father, listen to thy daughter, 
Take not thou Monona from me, 

But give it unto the water." 
And from all the tribe assembled, 

Far across the lake was throw^n a 
Joyous shout of glad approval, 

Hailing the fair lake — Monona. 



MENDOTA. 



^fSi 






:0 you know the mossy headland, 
^IS With its em'rald-hued corona, 
Throwing shadows deep into the 

Bosom of the lake Monona? 
Just behind it lies the garden, 

Wond'rous in its wild-wood glory! 
Need we marvel that the Red Man 

Told its fame in many a story? 
For its beauty has few rivals, 

Either 'mid the gems of nature, 
Or where art on nature's landscape 

Deftly touches every feature. 
'Tis no wonder they forsook it 

With reluctance, ever casting 
Backward glances, speaking sorrow 

Deeply stamped and everlasting. 
Faint around us grow the traces 

Of the Indian, like the dying 
Autumn daylight, or the rushing 

Night sound of the wild birds flying. 



56 MENDOTA. 



Still the summers bring some scion 

Of the forest, singly straying, 
Silently, amid the shadows 

Both of woods and race decaying! 
Ah, those native forest children 

Recked not of the hidden story 
Of a race that ere their coming 

Was already old and hoary! 
Not to them had e'er been whispered 

From the green mounds, undulating 
O'er their garden, aught of people 

Their traditions all pre-dating. 

Seated in the wild plum orchard. 

Where the Spring-time air was scented 
B}^ the perfume from the blossoms. 

Wafted with a wealth unstinted, 
Three young Indian boys were talking 

Of their father's skill and daring; 
Each one rivaling another. 

When their sire's renown comparing: 
One was named " The Loon," the " Screamer." 

Nameless yet remained another. 
Save " The son of the Canoe Man." 

Young Mendota was the other. 



MENDOTA. 



57 



One was boasting of the scalp-locks 

That his father's hand had taken ; 
Telling of him in the war-dance ; 

How his whoop the woods had shaken. 
" He had crossed the mighty river; 

With the warlike Sioux had striven; . 
'Round the painted post, when dancing, 

Deepest had his axe been driven." 
Another boasted of his father 

As most skillful on the water: 
" Like an arrow fled the birch-bark, 

When her flight his paddle taught her. 
Who but he, the dancing shallop, 

Through the white-caps could send flying 
Faster than retreating foemen. 

Who for life the stroke were plying ? 
Were it not that 'Arm that sweepeth ' 

Made the boat fly like the swallow. 
Some, whose scalps your father mastered, 

Still would chase and war-path follow! 
See, Mendota still is working. 

Still a flint-tipped arrow making. 
Chipping, scraping, feather-gumming. 

As for some great undertaking. 



58 MENDOTA. 



We of hick'ry make our arrows — 

Make them strong and heavy headed ; 
But Mendota, would-be hunter, 

Using shaft by panther dreaded." 
Sprang Mendota from the earth mound, 

Like a young Adonis standing, 
Looking down upon his comrades, 

Audience and respect commanding: 
" All your blunt and harmless arrows 

Scarce the deer would scare from feeding; 
If with this I fairly strike him, 

I can track him by the bleeding. 
And you boast your father's honors ! 

Scalp-locks won by stealth in fighting; 
Stealing, cat-like, on unguarded 

Foeman, not a cover slighting. 
When a conquered chief lay dreading 

Of his scalp bereft to perish ! 
Then my father scorned to rob him 

Of the prize that warriors cherish! 
Those around him stood and questioned, 

Why for fame so little caring? 
* On the happy hunt,' he answered, 

' Let him go, his honors wearing ! ' 



MENDOTA. 59 



True, your father sweeps the paddle, 

Best and strongest of the nation; 
Victor crowned in every contest. 

Cause for all your exultation ; 
But my father wears the bear claws — 

Claws of savage bear, that yielded 
Life and trophies to the death-stroke. 

From the tomahawk he wielded! 
And the panther's skin I carry 

Tells of hunter scorning danger, 
Armed with club and knife, he reft it 

From the peerless forest ranger! 
Down he threw the bloody trophy, 

Smiling as successful hunter, 
Naught of pain — though sorely wounded — 

Talked, but of the fierce encounter. 
All our braves are on the war-path: 

Some will come, and some lie sleeping 
'Neath the green and crimson carpet. 

Crimsoned, by their death wounds weeping! 
After nearly two moons' labor, 

See, my arrow is completed ; 
I will leave you with the women. 

Or around the camp-fire seated; 



6o MENDOTA. 



I will go into the forest, 

On the hunter's trail remaining 
Till I change my arrow's color, 

Losing it, or game obtaining." 
Straight he turned his back upon them, 

Heeding neither laugh nor jeering. 
With his bow and single arrow 

In the forest disappearing. 
High the boy's heart beat within him. 

With the consciousness of going 
On his first assay of manhood; 

Full of youthful ardor glowing! 
Nothing but his robe of panther. 

O'er his shoulder thrown, he carried, 
Serving both for couch and raiment, 

In the forest while he tarried — 
Save the moccasin of buckskin, 

Neatly fashioned, quill'd and beaded. 
And a knife by thong suspended — 

All equipment that he needed; 
Through the forest slowly wending, 

Grace in everv limb and feature! 
Beauty, to its beauty adding, 

Nature's child alone with nature! 



MENDOTA. 6l 



Thus he wandered, thoughtful, musing, 

Of the morrow ever thinking, 
Till he reached the rocky headland 

As the sun was grandly sinking, 
Throwing o'er the Lake Mendota 

Such a flood of golden grandeur 
That both eye and tongue were spell-bound 

By the exquisite expandure ! 
Sun and sky and lake commingle 

Color in such rich profusion 
That the heart seeks voice, entreating 

Fitting words for its efTusion ! 
Massive color, bold in outline, 

Fading into blended glory, • 

Telling to enraptured gazers 

Beauty's most bewitching story! 
And Mendota gazed in wonder. 

All his soul the scene entrancing; 
Like the chiseled statue, standing 

Motionless, an arm advancing; 
Thus he stood, until the rival 

Pink and pearl and purple, blending, 
Softened into light-blue ether, 

Solemnly the sunset ending; 



62 MENDOTA. 



Then he turned, as one awaking 

From a dream, reluctant, sighing, 
Loth to leave the living picture 

Every sunny clime outvying! 
Ate of what the lake and forest 

Freely gave to those acquainted, 
Spread his panther-skin and entered 

Sleep's blank realm, by dreapis unpainted. 

Ere the east had caught the tinting 

Of the first gray dawn of morning 
Up he sprang, refreshed, from slumber; 

Donned the panther's rude adorning; 
No more careless was his bearing, 

But, while listening acutely. 
Restless flashed his eyes like meteors, 

Traveling swiftly, softly, mutely; 
Not a chirp of bird, or murmur 

Of the woods, but w^ellwas noted; 
To the chase, the youthful hunter. 

Every energy devoted ! 
Thus he sped, until he halted 

By the winding broad Yahara! — 
In the east the sun, arising. 

Threw aloft his red tiara — 



MEND OTA. 63 



Stealing, cat-like, through the bushes, 

To the water's edge advancing, 
Keenly listening for the breaking 

Of the forest silence, — glancing 
Quickly at each sign of nature. 

Ah! why do the branches quiver 
Just beyond the hillock rising 

At the sharp bend of the river? 
Scarce the air can hear his movements, 

Though his steps are nearly flying, 
Till the gentle breath of morning, 

From the spot, toward him, is sighing ; 
Then, while creeping nimbly forward, 

Nature's stillness yet unbroken! 
Not a taint, or sound of warning, 

Of his presence giving token, 
Till, within an easy bow-shot. 

He perceives, in quiet, feeding, 
Three good deer, unconscious, careless. 

His approach unknown, unheeding! 
One brave stag with branching antlers 

Shook his crest, and bid defiance 
To the forest! he, the monarch. 

Seemed to stand in self reliance ! 



64 MENDOTA. 



And the boy's heart madly bounded; 

But his nerves were all unshaken, 
As to head he drew the arrow! 

Having each precaution taken — 
Twice, he tried, if sure and steady, 

He could aim behind the shoulder, 
But the intervening brush-wood 

Made him choose a method bolder; 
Rose erect, like silent shadow, 

Every nerve his pressure tightening, 
And before the stag had seen him. 

Sped the fatal shaft like lightning! 
Then, by instinct, he embodied 

The antique, the great Apollo! 
Form of beauty, standing rigid; 

Sight and soul the arrow follow! 
Right arm gracefully withdrawing, 

Still his left, the bow extending; 
On the flying arrow's fortune 

Every faculty is bending! 
But a moment stands the statue 

Breathless, most intently watching, 
E'er the boy's heart leaped to manhood, 

All the hunter's ardor catching! 



MENDOTA. 65 - 



One brave bound the stag attempted, 

Then stood still, except the shivering 
Of the death-stroke, for the arrow, 

Deep sunk in his flesh, was quivering! 
E'er the stag had time to rally, 

Recklessly the hunter darted 
On him, and with knife deep driven, 

Life's sustaining current parted! 
Then he stood, intently watching, 

Where the gasping and the sighing 
Of the fallen forest monarch 

Told the noble stag was dying! 
And his heart was touched to sadness 
. By the piteous glance, appealing! 
For an eye of matchless beauty, 

More than instinct, seemed revealing. 
But the hunter's labors claimed him; 

He the deer must skin and quarter, 
And upon the saplings hang it — 

Young trees, mirrored by the water. 
Thus he toiled until the mid-day 

Sun shone on his labor finished, 
And upon a boy's exultant 

Satisfaction undiminished; 
5 



66 MENDOTA. 



With one ling'ring glance of pleasure 

At the quarry, all unheeding 
Food or rest, with earnest purpose 

On the home trail he was speeding. 
Quietly, into the village 

Walked Mendota, quite suppressing 
Every look of triumph, waiting 

Comrade's questioning and guessing; 
First, " The Screaming Loon " assailed him 

Son of him the scalp-locks wearing — 
Gave to him a mocking welcome, 

Mimicking his stoic bearing; 
Called aloud unto the women, 

" Ho you there, the deer are plenty 
In the forest, you may hunt them. 

For Mendota's hands are empty! " 
Silent stood the youthful hunter, 

Scarce a lip's contemptuous curling; 
But the pliant panther mantle 

Round his form in triumph furling, 
Till the son of " Arm that Sweepeth " 

Said, " Where has my brother tarried? 
Bloody is the flint-tipped arrow 

He into the forest carried! " 



MENDOTA. 67 



Like the sun, on sudden bursting 

Through the clouds the earth oppressing, 
Lit Mendota's eye in triumph; 

And the thought his mind possessing — 
Though it compensated taunting — 

Burst its bonds, and but addressing 
Him who had the arrow noted — 

While unseemly boast suppressing — 
Told him all about his hunting, 

Where he slept, and then related 
All the details of his triumph, 

With the victor's joy elated. 
" Oh my brother, had 3^ou seen him 

As the morning's breath he greeted, 
Nobler stag than e'er a hunter 

With a single shaft defeated! 
You with me will take the birch-bark, 

We can paddle like our fathers; 
It is light, and dry, and dancing, 

And the roughest sea it weathers; 
I have left my prize in safety; 

In the saplings I have swung it 
Out of danger; 'mong the branches 

Bending o'er the water, hung it." 



68 MENDOTA. 



Lightly glanced the birchen vessel 

O'er Monona, from the agile 
Paddling of the eager rowers 

Swiftly, flew a bark so fragile; 
Soon Monona lay behind them, 

And Yahara then ascending 
'Gainst the current, far more slowly 

Traced the boat the river's wending; 
Till at length the bending willows 

Meeting midw^ay, as if hiding 
Where Mendota found an outlet. 

Yielded to the birch-bark's gliding. 
And the broad lake spread before them, 

Rich again in sun-set glory! 
Speaking to admiring senses. 

Grand, but silent, oratory! 
Both, by impulse, paused and floated, 

Gazing on the grand combining 
Of the mass of living colors 

Blended o'er the sun's declining! 
Not a breath the w^ater ruffled. 

Almost mirror-like it slumbered ; 
When the boys resumed their paddles, 

'T was with strokes more slowly numbered ; 



MENDOTA. 6^ 



Thus, partaking of the spirit 

Of the glorious, quiet even', 
Scarce their boat disturbed the water, 

From the light impetus given. 
Still they paused not, but yet floating 

With a stroke so light and wary. 
Undisturbed, they passed the wild duck, 

On the lake's great tributary. 
Silence on the river rested, 

Not a breath the air disturbing, 
For the night had spread her mantle, 

All the evening tints absorbing! 
Still they held their course unerring, 

'Till, the wooded hillock reaching, 
They prepared to rest till morning, 

Carefully their light boat beaching; 
Then, these children of the forest, 

Nature taught, in all resources, 
Made repast and sank to slumber; 

Like the child the mother nurses! 

Morn had scarcely in the Orient 
Shown the night its russet banner, 

'Ere the boys arose from slumber. 
And in gleeful, boyish manner, 



yo MENDOTA. 



Laughed, and called unto the day-break: 

" That the sun, his chariot's eager 
Coursers, might urge on more quickly! 

For the light was yet too meager;" 
Ah! the grey is growing brighter, 

As the night rolls up her sable ; 
To discern the quarry, hanging 

Safely, soon the boys were able! 
" See you, where the branching antlers 

Yonder white-oak limbs are bending? 
Branch of tree and antlers branching. 

Look, the morning grey is blending!" 
Mute in w^onder stood his comrade ! 

All the stor}^ he had told them 
Was surpassed; 'twere worth the journe}?-, 

Thus suspended to behold them! 
Hard they labored, till the light boat 

With the precious freight was loaded; 
Into mid-stream then they darted, 

Like a steed whose flanks are goaded. 
Scarce the sun had left the tree tops, 

When Monona lay before them ; 
On the prow they placed the antlers. 

Honoring the bark that bore them! 



MENDOTA. 7^ 



Soon with steady, measured eflort, 

Midway in the lake they floated, 
Asking, by their eager glances, 

If they must return unnoted? 
Quick, the son of " Arm that Sweepeth" 

Said, " Mendota,' hist! look yonder! 
Those are not the women only, 

Down the wooded banks who wander? " 
Quite erect the boy had risen, 

'Gainst the wale on paddle leaning, 
Eagle-like, his vision reaching 

O'er the water intervening! 
Then he answered, " Brother hunter, 

Neither squaws nor papoose meet us; 
Home returned are all our warriors, 

And they line the shore to greet us ! " 
'Ere again his paddle dipping, 

One shrill whoop, the lake resounded! 
Like the swallow, o'er the water. 

Then the airy shallop bounded! 

Short the space, till 'neath the garden. 
They have landed with their treasure; 

Mute are all the dusky warriors. 
But their eyes the antlers measure! 



72 MENDOTA. 



For no hunter of the nation 

Such a conquest ever boasted! 
Such a pair of branching antlers 

Over lodge had ne'er been posted! 
Almost irksome was their silence 

To the youth, who hoped for praises 
And approval of his efforts ; 

But his deed the tribe amazes! 
Till his father, noted, lying 

In the boat, the blood-stained arrow! 
And from out his sheath he drew one, 

Tipped with flint head, sharp and narrow! 
In the boat, beside the other, 

Quietly he stepped and laid it, 
Saying, "Boy, when next you need it. 

Here's a second one to aid it!" 
Quick as thought the impulse seized them; 

Many braves their best selected. 
Into the canoe they tossed them. 

Till there lay a store collected 
Of such arrows that their owner 

Might a chieftain's envy kindle! 
Some were strong and heav}^ pointed, 

Others, slender as a windle 



MENDOTA. 73 



He whose totem was an oak tree 

By the lightning rudely riven ! 
Called the boy to stand before him, 

Pointed to the arrows given, 
Then — as chief of all the Nation 

Turned around, his arm extending. 
Claiming audience of his warriors, — 

Royal tone and gesture blending, — 
Told them " Though returning victors 

From the war-path, all the chaunting 
Of their deeds would be outnumbered 

By the song of this boy's hunting." 

High above them in the garden. 

Shrill the women's voices sounded; 
When he heard his mother call him 

Nimbly up the bank he bounded; 
Here, it was no longer needful 

That the stoic, quiet bearing 
Of the Indian should restrain him, — 

Nothing for appearance caring — 
Straight he ran to meet his mother; 

She, her arms about him twining, 
Lavished on him fond endearments. 

In those tones of tender whining, 



74 



MENDOTA. 



Sounding sweetly by her uttered — 

Breathing love and pride commingled; 
Sometimes, like the notes of tinkling 

Bells of silver, lightly jingled. 
Listening kindly — softly laughing — 

To the pleasant, rippling murmur; 
In his eye the Hght of loving 

Glowed with ardent warmth of summer! 
Answering gently her caresses, 

Answering thus, her benison, 
" When our braves are gone, my mother, 

I can bring you venison." 

And the boy in time was chieftain, 

Bravety for his tribe contending, 
'Till the tide of tireless workmen — 

Ever open hand extending — 
Swept the country, and the hunter 

Spent the day the deer in tracking, 
But to see it wrested from him 

At the deadly rifle's cracking! 
Then the hatchet they unburied ; 

Long and far the war-path treading; 
For the white man's friendship fighting, 

Brother's blood for stranger shedding! 



MENDOTA. 75 



But at length the winged arrow 

With the death the fates had written 
For Mendota, found his bosom, 

And to earth the chief was smitten! 
" Bear me homeward," said Mendota; 

" To the lake of sun-sets bear me; 
In my boat upon the water 

For the happy hunt prepare me." 
Home they bore the wounded chieftain; 

Not a listening ear could note a 
Sound, as in his boat he drifted, 

On the bosom of Mendota! 
In the ev'ning, when the western 

Sky gleamed like a searing cauter, 
The Chief upon the Lake Mendota 

Gave his spirit to the water. 














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